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Huron Expositor, 2005-05-04, Page 11VIGGREATER SF.AFORTH AREA THE HURON EXPOSITOR, May 4. 2005-11 Seniors enjoy their St. James buddies By Susan Hundertmark Expositor Editor Whether they just sit and play crokinole or chat about the people they have in common in their lives, intergenerational friendships have been forming at Maplewood Manor this year between residents and the Grade 5 students at St. James School. The year-long "senior buddies" program has been organized this year as part of the family life curriculum at St. James. Once a month, the students have been visiting their buddies, bringing homemade cards and enthusiastic attitudes to spend the afternoon. "I think they like the company. I hope to keep visiting because they're very nice," says St. James student Michael Colborne. "I hope people visit me when I'm in a retirement home because it could get really lonely." "Some of the seniors don't get to see their relatives so we get to know them so they know they have friends," says student Shelby Hoggart. Games such as cards, crokinole, chess and velcro darts are shared while the talk often centres around what's going on at school and whether or not the seniors know the students' families and their grandparents in particular. "My buddy knows my grandma and grandpa - she used to live close to them near Winthrop," says Hoggart. "We talk about our families and stuff." "My grandma knows who my buddy is," adds student Kyle Hendriks. "My buddy is hard of hearing and I'm loud so my teacher said that would be good for me." And, the buddies are enjoying the new friendships as well. "We chat a little bit about everything," says Maplewood resident Delphine Buys. "I told him where I was born in Belgium." For buddies Trevor Keys and Mary McColl, they've been able to share their love of Florida. When Trevor's family travelled south this winter, McColl decided to help with the trip by offering a gift of$10. Trevor returned with some Florida souvenirs, included oranges and salt water taffy. "Every child likes some money of his own," says McColl. "I used to go to Florida but I haven't been Susan Hundertmark photos there in over 20 years:' "I wanted Mary to know I'd been thinking about her on the trip," says Trevor. Student Paula Parejo says that while she was anxious at first meeting her senior buddy, she's glad to have made the friendship. "An 88 -year-old and a 10 - year -old are pretty far apart but it's nicd to get together. 1 never had a senior buddy before. It's kind of special," she says. Manor residents work with wood Woodworking continues in the Seaforth Manor Retirement Home with Jody. Many more residents are joining the group. We should have Tots of articles for the fall bazaar. Many seniors from the community joined us for our monthly euchre party on Tuesday. Bertha, Olive, Alvin, Betty, Bush, and Edna were just a few. We had a great time. We look forward Seaforth Manor Nursing; l lonte to having them back on May 24 at 1:30 p.m. The Western Entertainers entertained for us this week as well. There were many up dancing. Alice Knight was up for almost every dance. There was a lot of toe tapping, dancing and clapping going on. We look forward to having them back in June. We would like to welcome George Jamieson to the retirement home. It is a delight to have him with us and we enjoy having his dog Buffy visit. On Friday our residents went to Wong's for a great lunch. We had Chinese food on the smorgasbord. The staff always makes us feel so welcome. Afterward, we took a drive to Mitchell for Tim Horton's coffee, we couldn't resist. We took a drive over by the park and saw the geese and the donkey. It was a beautiful day for a drive. We look forward to the Mother's Day Tea on May 7 from 2-4 p.m. Everyone welcome. Queensway resident celebrates 103rd birthday John Pepper celebrated his 103rd birthday with friends and relatives at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28 in the Queensway Nursing and Retirement Residence lounge. Birthday cake, coffee and tea were enjoyed along with lots of best wishes. Marie Flynn and The Huron Strings provided entertainment at the April Birthday Party held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. for all the April birthday celebrants. Dorothy Elford, Muriel Gunning, Aneeva Bond, Pat Wedge, Earl Stephen, Betty QiieeusWatV Nnrsim; Ilimit• Taylor, Howard Smythe, Dorothy Kipfer, Helen Jacques and Lylyan Greb, all wore a fresh corsage or boutonniere in honour of the special occasion. Lori Burt RMT provided her weekly massage therapy services to several residents Monday. Hensall Presbyterian women assisted at bingo in the afternoon as they have each Monday in April. In May the Hensall United Church women will facilitate bingos. Tuesday morning found eight residents gathered around the oak family dining room table feasting on sausages and stacks of pancakes with fresh maple syrup supplied by volunteer Francis Kinsman. Pastor Dave Williams of Thames Road and Elimville Churches led worship Tuesday afternoon with Belva Fuss as volunteer pianist. • Pet parrots visit Maplewood The month of April got off to a flying start at Maplewood Manor with a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Clark and their pet parrots. "Buster" was a friend to all and enjoyed Tots of conversation. Craft ladies enjoyed taking part in a surprise birthday party for Betty Harris at the Legion. They had fun visiting • with many of their old friends. Church services for the month were held with Father Lance, Pastor Unwin, Rev. Huberts and Pastor Steve. Grade 5 students from St. Nlaplewoo(1 Nianor James school made their monthly visit to interview residents. Everyone enjoyed answering questions that were asked of them. Art and Eleanor Horst, along with Elgin Nott, led the music for an afternoon sing along. Residents also enjoyed a musical afternoon with Marjory Papple. Crokinolc, crafts and bingo were other activities enjoyed with our volunteers. Toes were tapping as residents enjoyed an afternoon of old tymc music with Ivan Norris, Andrew Patrick, Jim Delaney, John . Zettel, Elgin Nott and Rena Young. Ladies were pampered during 'a visit from Margaret Whitmore and Lois Hodgert. Special hand treatments and manicures made everyone feel great. An appreciation dinner was held at Maplewood to honour all of our very special volunteers. We are so grateful for the time, energy, skills and talents that they share with us. Hats off to our volunteers. Volunteer Marg Cole organized several euchre games Wednesday afternoon for the euchre enthusiasts and residents welcomed Paula Townsend and her St. Johns pet therapy dog "Popcorn" back from Florida. Friday was a busy day as Lisa Stewart, music therapist worked with several clients, both individually and in her small group. Resident council met on Friday and discussed the busy month ahead, giving their input and suggestions. FREE DELIVERY Prescriptions, Home Health Care & More! KEATINGS PHARMACY 67 Main St., Seaforth 527-1990 h€% aanor ✓i,ettYemegte `/fie science 100 James St. Seaforth 527-0030 Be our guest for a tour and complimentary lunch at Seaforth Manor. Mark your calendar... Foot Care Day Tues., May 24 - Call for appointment Euchre party Tues., May 24 at 1:30pm ,..for more information call Charlene loxton, Retirement Residence I)irrr101' OF Cathie .S"ehaII , , l c/miaiclralur at .527-00.0 Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home P A Family Owned Business Since 1975 87 Goderich St. W., Seaforth 527-1390 Ross W. Ribey - Funeral Director www.whitneyribeyfuneralhome.com .4iiiiatent for: STRATFORD MEMORIALS LTD.